Don't Turn Away

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

Hebrews 3:12 (NIV)

Generally, simply seeing someone perform a good social action, such as feeding the poor, sheltering a homeless person, or paying for a destitute person's medical bills, is enough to indicate that they are a good person. Given the biblical example of the Good Samaritan, they will also be called the "Good Samaritan," especially if they are a believer. Yet, Jesus taught us that no one is good except God.

The question that always arises is why a Christian who does good works by following Jesus' example cannot be good. Three points must be considered before considering the Samaritan's goodness. (1) Is it to have a good conscience in the eyes of the world? (2) Is it to affirm one's humanity and earn the admiration of others? Or (3) is it to belong to a spiritual or social elite valued within a congregation? These are three points that need to be clarified before making a decision.

Some people, when they do good and the world applauds and values ​​them, become proud and end up believing that they deserve to be honored and elevated by those for whom they do good. It is then that their hearts turn away from God. They forget where they come from and elevate themselves above others. By constantly boasting about their actions, they become unbelievers. Some even refuse to take their place alongside those they consider inferior. Do not be influenced by who you are or by the value attributed to you by your goodness. Humble yourself before God and do good in obedience to God; He will bless you and elevate you.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.